Neil Harris: Cambridge United appoint former Millwall and Cardiff boss as new head coach

Neil Harris retired from playing in 2013

Neil Harris has been appointed Cambridge United's new head coach on an 18-month contract.

Harris was sacked by League Two Gillingham in October as the club wanted "to go in different direction".

The 46-year-old's first game in charge will be the League One match against Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

The former Millwall and Cardiff boss succeeds Mark Bonner, who was sacked last month after almost four years in charge.

The U's have lost their last three league games, but bounced back following Bonner's departure with an FA Cup second-round win over Fleetwood Town.

"I am super excited and really pleased to be here. It's a brilliant project in motion here," Harris said. "I just want to come and add some value to that."

Paul Barry, the club's majority owner, has reassured fans about the short time it has taken to appoint Harris.

"This has been a quick but also a thorough process," Barry said. "Over the last week we have spoken to several different candidates, and we are appointing Neil after three separate interviews held over many hours."

The new coach will conduct his first news conference on Thursday.

Harris has also previously managed Cardiff City and Millwall, pursuing management after an illustrious playing career which included becoming Millwall's all-time leading goalscorer.

Harris scored 138 goals in 431 appearances for the Lions.